A 29-year-old mother from Australia, Erin Kelly, has shared her heartbreaking experience of being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, highlighting the symptoms she has begun to observe.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s refers to those who receive a diagnosis before turning 65, making it particularly unexpected for someone in their 20s to face this disease.
In June, Kelly received the diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s, which was not entirely unexpected due to a family history of the disease.
“My [mom] died of Alzheimer’s when she was 50,” Kelly revealed to 7News. “The disease took my grandfather at 45, and my aunt when she was the same age. I just didn’t think it would come for me so soon.”
Medical scans have already indicated the initial signs of neuronal damage in Kelly’s brain, affecting the cells responsible for sending messages throughout the body.
Despite the early stage of her diagnosis, Kelly is already encountering several symptoms characteristic of the disease.
In further discussion with 7News, Kelly said, “I’ve started to notice small changes already. Forgetting words and mixing words together. I’ll be thinking of something, and I’ll just mush the words together. It’s things I didn’t do previously.”
Kelly is aware that she must eventually inform her eight-year-old daughter, Evie, but given her young age, Kelly is hesitant to do so immediately.
“We’re not exactly sure how or what to tell her yet. She’s still so young,” Kelly explained to 7News. “She will get some information, but we want to protect her for as long as we can.
“The goal is to see her finish school, get married. I want to make sure she’s an adult before I die.”
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that early-onset Alzheimer’s and dementia can include symptoms such as memory loss that affects daily life, challenges in completing routine tasks, and confusion about time or place.
To support Kelly, her stepsister Jessica Simpson has initiated a GoFundMe page, aiming to collect funds for treatment, allowing Erin to spend more time with her daughter.
The fundraiser explains: “There is a treatment called Leqembi. It’s not a cure, but it could slow the progression and give Erin more time — to keep working, keep functioning, and most importantly, keep being Evie’s [mom] for as long as she can.
“But this medication isn’t available through the public system [in Australia] and is incredibly expensive.”
For those affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s seeking confidential support, the Alzheimer’s Association is available at 800.272.3900, offering assistance 24/7.